Not Milk, Nut Mylk!

Dairy products are touted as being healthy and nutritious but the in reality it’s quite the opposite. Aside from the ethical reasons to avoid dairy, let’s break down why milk is not such a wise nutritional choice.

The sugar in milk, lactose, is hard to digest and is the main reason most people on the planet do not consume dairy. Lactose intolerance comes about when the body stops making the enzyme, lactase, to break down the lactose. The reason we stop making it is because milk is not a necessary food after the breastfeeding stage. An estimated 75-85% of people have some degree of lactose intolerance. The side effects of ingesting dairy if you are lactose intolerant is inflammation, cramping, bloating, mucous formation in the gut, and a host of other bowel troubles.

The big campaign point for the dairy industry is that their products are full of calcium. What you need to know is that the calcium in milk is not very bioavailable, or easily absorbed in humans. Think about it, cow’s milk is meant for a calves, not us. What’s even worse is that milk is highly acidic which actually pulls calcium from the bones in an effort to neutralize the acid and maintain blood pH. This is especially bad for women who are at a higher risk for osteoporosis.

But why else should you stay away from dairy? It’s not called dirty dairy for nothing. What is contained in cow’s milk might actually scare you. Antiobiotics, Bovine Growth Hormone, pus, and even blood. Not something I would want my kids to drink every morning.

Don’t fear, there are delicious and nutritious alternatives to dairy! When I first went dairy free I chose Soy Mylk. Since there is a great deal of controversy on the health benefits of soy, I switched over to Almond Mylk. In addition to these two there is also Rice Mylk, Hemp Mylk, and Coconut Mylk. The nutritional super stars are the Almond, Hemp, and Coconut Mylks. Both Almond and Hemp contain Omega fatty acids. Coconut Mylk contains medium chain fatty acids which have a whole host of health benefits. For Hemp Mylk I like Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Bliss. For Almond Mylk go for Pacific Natural Foods. Alternatively you can make them yourself! This ensures there are no fillers or soy lecithin in your Mylk and also reduces waste.

Almond or Hemp Mylk:

1 cup of Almonds (preferably raw), soaked for at least 45 minutes – 1 hour OR

1-3 Tablespoon of Hemp Seeds

4 cups of filtered water

1 teaspoon cinammon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/4 tsp of a vanilla pod

**optional sweeteners and additions**

1 tablespoon of Agave OR

1-2 Dates, pitted and soaked (for 20-30 mins) OR

5-10 drops of Stevia

2-3 Tablespoons of Cacao for Choclate Mylk!

Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend for 45 secs – 1 minute. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or nut mylk bag.

My nifty Nut Mylk bag from Upaya Naturals!

When making Hemp Mylk it’s not neccesary to strain unless you mind the small amount of pulp.

**Note – if you have a dehydrator you can dehydrate the Almond Pulp for 6-8 hours. Once it’s dry, you can grind it into a flour using a high powered blender. Viola, Almond Flour!

Tada! Homemade Almond Mylk

Now I realize not everyone has a nut mylk bag but…. you can get one now! I am giving away a free nut mylk bag courtesy of Upaya Naturals. Their bags are my favorite. Why? Because they are light mesh for easy straining and easy to clean. How can you win the bag? Easy! Comment, tweet, share, follow me or Upaya Naturals on Twitter. It’s that easy. Winner will be picked on the 29th. Best of luck!